The issue of mental health in Guyana and the worrying suicide rate came up for discussion on Wednesday in the National Assembly as the Budget Debates continued.
APNU Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton called for the Government to recognise that Guyana has a serious mental health issue that must be examined and seen as a public health issue.
Dr. Norton said the suicide rate in the country is worrying. Over 100 persons committed suicide in the country last year and for this year already, there have been 23 cases of suicide. There have also been scores of attempted suicide cases.
He said there must be a national response to the troubling issue and deserves attention.
Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsarran in his presentation said the suicide problem in the country is not just a problem for the Ministry of Health but for all departments and for all Guyanese. He said the Health Ministry has been making efforts to address the issue through the training of counsellors. He called for more groups to become involved in the fight against suicide and mental health.
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